The Foundation of Goodness warmly welcomes Sir Ian Botham, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, International Watch Company and international media to its facilities in Seenigama, Hikkaduwa. This is the third time that Ian has visited the Foundation of Goodness, the first being just after the tsunami, which is still clear in his memory, especially as he drives down the coast and sees the changes that have taken place, the homes that have been rebuilt, the railway line, repaired and fully functioning, where nearly five years ago all was wreckage and devastation.

Thanks to Ian's recommendation and ongoing support the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation have been sponsoring our sports development work in Seenigama and seven other villages in the area, providing facilities, coaching, life skills and exposure for 1400 children and youth who wish to play and excel in their sports of cricket, volleyball, swimming, netball and badminton.

The volleyball players of Thotagamuwa Schools were thrilled to welcome Ian and the other guests to witness their volleyball training and a highly competitive match between the u12 teams from arch-rivals Thotagamuwa and neighbouring Seenigama. Both schools have reached fame in the last two years, having twice had teams in the finals of the DSI All Island Supersport Schools Volleyball Championships, with the Seenigama u12 team being victorious in 2008, and Thotagamuwa winning the u12 age group tournament in 2009.

Kushil, Founder and Trustee of the Foundation of Goodness commented that "Sir Ian is a great supporter of ours and without him and the involvement of Laureus and IWC and the other donors, where would we be? The children and youth are learning so much through sport, and are able to reach new levels on and off the sports pitch and for this we are eternally grateful"

" Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful." 
~Author Unknown

2009.12.02